FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the Promotion of Pamela Ballinger to Warden at Walker State Prison, effective January 1, 2017. As Warden, Ballinger will be responsible for overseeing 125 staff members, 200 detainees at the Northwest Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Facility, and 419 male offenders at the Department’s first and only Faith & Character Based facility.

“Pamela has been an asset to the Department for over 25 years,” said Commissioner Dozier. “Her enthusiasm and dedication to her work will be of great benefit to both the staff and the offenders at this unique facility, specifically designed to provide a pro-social, programmatic environment for change.”

Ballinger began her career with the Department in 1991 as the Secretary to the Deputy Warden of Security at Walker State Prison. She transitioned to the Business office as Accounting Paraprofessional in 1992. During her tenure at Walker State Prison, she has served as Counseling Secretary, Warden’s Secretary, and Operations Analyst. Ballinger was promoted to Deputy Warden of Administration in 2006, where she currently serves.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.